Devils Lake has new four season fish cleaning station now in operation

It’s official, and just in time for anyone in the area who may be doing a little pre-fishing for the big ice fishing tournament this weekend, the city’s four season fish cleaning station is open for business.

It’s official, and just in time for anyone in the area who may be doing a little pre-fishing for the big ice fishing tournament this weekend, the city’s four season fish cleaning station is open for business. At Tuesday’s meeting the Devils Lake City Commission learned more about the facility from Mike Grafsgaard, the city’s engineer.

Located behind Ed’s Bait Shop on Highway 20 south of the city the new facility can be accessed by stopping into Ed’s and obtaining an access code number.

The facility consists of two stainless steel tables and two substantial grinders to dispose of the fish bones and debris, room for at least eight people to filet at one time.

It can be accessed from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily and is a cooperative effort with the Game and Fish Conservancy District, the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, the city of Devils Lake and the Lake Region Anglers.

It’s the Lake Region Anglers who have taken on the project to maintain the building and keep it clean but they’re hoping the anglers themselves will respect the space and do their part, as well.

Anyone can use the facility and there is no charge but anglers must bring their own filet knives and storage baggies because those items are not provided. “It’s just like the other fish cleaning sites we have around the lake,” explained Grafsgaard. “The only difference is that it is in a heated building so it can be used in the wintertime, as well.”

Instructions will be posted in the building listing how the equipment in the building should be used and a contracted local company will clean the facility once a day. According to Grafsgaard there are a few minor things that need to be finished in the building, but for the most part, it is ready to be used and open to the public. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for sometime in the near future to officially declare the site open for use.

Other business

At the outset of the meeting two public hearings were completed. The first to review the final plat for East Bay Walmart Subdivision on Highway 2 east with highway commercial and agricultural zoning. Attorneys representing Walmart’s interests were present at the meeting and one, Jade Rosenfeldt, addressed the commission explaining the process from this point on as the transaction is completed.

The second public hearing was to review the final plat for the second addition to Quiet Acres Subdivision, 24th Ave. SW, south of County Road No. 1, with residential rural suburban zoning.

Both hearings were concluded and the commission voted to accept the recommendations from the planning commission and approved both final plats.

Page 2 of 2 - Bid openings for a new police vehicle resulted in Chief Keith Schroeder being asked to review the bids and bring back his recommendations to the commission.

The payment of an appraisal invoice was tabled to the next meeting until the commission and the city’s attorney can look over the original agreement with the company to determine why the bill was nearly double what was expected.